LEPTIN LEVELS IN VITREOUS FLUIDS OF PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Abstract

Introduction: Leptin, a 16 KDa protein hormone, plays a key role in regulating energy intake and energy expenditure, including the regulation of appetite and metabolism. Abnormalities of leptin secretion and regulation are implicated in obesity, the metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus type 2 along with its complications such as neovascularization.  The present study aimed to compare the levels of leptin in vitreous fluids of diabetic patients suffering from non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Materials and Methods: The comparative study was carried out from June to November 2010 on inpatients of Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. In this study, 45 patients with confirmed diabetic retinopathy were selected, comprising 22 female and 23 male patients. Retinopathic groups were designated as non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR = 20) and proliferative diabetic retinopathic (PDR = 25). Vitreous samples were obtained after vitrectomy indicated for retinopathy. The enzyme immunoassay test followed a typical two-step capture or “sandwich†type assay by using AssayMax Human Leptin EliSA Kit (Assaypro, Belgium). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 14.0.

Results: The vitreous leptin concentrations of patients did not differ significantly between NPDR and PDR patients (53.42 ± 18.20 ng/ml and 53.18 ± 19.60 ng/ml; p=0.915); moreover there were no significant differences by gender.

Conclusion: Vitreous leptin levels in diabetic patients appear not to contribute to proliferative retinopathy.